Leeds United 'beating heart' ripped out as source reveals new Stuart Dallas details - pundit
Leeds United have had the "beating heart of the team" ripped out as Stuart Dallas faces a lengthy period on the sidelines, according to Danny Mills.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites and England full-back claimed Dallas will be a "big miss" after fracturing his femur.
The 31-year-old was stretchered off at the end of the first half of Leeds' 4-0 defeat to Man City last weekend (30 April) after a challenge with Jack Grealish.
A club source told Football Insider on Friday (6 May) that the injury is worse than first feared and Dallas could be out of competitive action for 12 months.
That would mean he misses the rest of this season and the entirety of the next campaign in what has been described as a "devastating blow".
"It's a really strange injury, really quite unusual," Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
"To fracture a femur, I don't think I've heard that before in football. It's very, very unfortunate and unlucky.
"Hopefully he bounces back but he's like the beating heart of the team.
"When we talk about energy and spirit, he can play anywhere for you, left-back, right-back and midfield. He can play anywhere and give his all.
"He'll be a big miss with his experience."
Dallas has started 121 of Leeds' last 122 league games and has been a rare constant in a side that has been plagued by injuries to key players this term.
The Northern Ireland international's consistency was rewarded with a three-year deal last summer (2021).